In pictures: Ancient Roman paintings

This fresco was discovered in the mid-18th century inside the public building called the Basilica in ancient Herculaneum, near Pompeii.

It was one of the earliest ancient paintings to be recovered in an almost pristine condition and was compared to the paintings of the Renaissance master Raphael.

Theseus has just killed the Minotaur, a mythical monster, and is being congratulated by a group of children. The fresco has just been expertly restored.